sibilate

/ˈsɪbɪleɪt/
verb
  1. To make a hissing sound, like the letter 's' or a snake.
    • Steam escaped from the kettle, causing it to sibilate softly.
    • The actor had to sibilate the 's' sounds clearly so the audience could hear.
    • The snake began to sibilate when the hiker got too close.
  2. To pronounce a word or sound with a hissing effect, especially in speech or singing.
    • Some people naturally sibilate when they say words like 'sister' or 'snake'.
    • The voice coach taught her not to sibilate too much during the song.
    • He tends to sibilate his 's' sounds, which makes his speech sound a bit sharp.
What does "sibilate" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean